I'm looking for something like the VR jacket, but came across several reviews which rated the DriClime more highly. I need it for everyday-on-the-hill use and would back it up with a hard shell.
Anyone got any opinions on this one? And no, not the Buffalo: I hate black.
They both come in a ton of different flavours, so whatever The VR lite stuff is closer to the driclimes warmth wise. There is seemingly a hooded VR Lite coming out in spring because its already in cotswolds - here. Looks a very functional design that.
(maybe they're going to revise more than that, no idea.).
If for everyday, then (season dependent) also maybe worth considering totally unlined stuff cf the alpine etc.
I never thought there was much difference between the performance of VR and Driclime stuff -- both are excellent. I have found differences in the cut and features of the two types of top though -- I don't think any of the Driclime shirts have a hood, which is a pity, but the VR tops always feel too tight across the shoulders for me. So I now use a Buffalo Fell shirt, which does have a hood, fits me well and is in grey rather than black or green. The liner is a thin fleece much like VR etc., not the normal shaggy Buffalo pile.
I wanted a Montane Scarab, couldn't get one in my size, so I got a Rab VR Trail Jacket instead. The Rab VR's are buggers to get on, the lining drags quite a bit, so I had to go for the Jacket because I couldn't get the smock on without considerable contortions.
But, the hood on the smock is much better than the hood on the jacket.
If you are a tall, athletic type, which is the Rab fit, then the VR would be a good buy. It must be the Blue one though. I am not sure if they still do the smock, but that would be the one I would have bought if I could have got it on.
I suppose that fit is the key thing here, as performance will probably be much the same between the DriClime and VR. So your best bet is to try them on and see.
The shell fabric on the Rab version is more breathable though as a result, marginally less wind proof. My experience of the Rab smock version is that the cut is tight across the shoulders and chest, the jacket cut is fine ime.
Also orth looking at the current Montane offering - Krypton Jacket?. The face fabric is lightweight pertex not unlike the face fabric on the Marmot driclimate jacket therefore not as substantial as the Pertex Equlibrium used on the Rab Offering. The jacket uses a similar lining fabric as the Rab and Marmot so its works in a similar fashion.
I tried the Marmot DrClime today, liked it a lot, but the cut was much too short; even in an XL it barely went to my waist. Shame: I'll work through the other suggestions and see what happens.
I like my VR jacket. However, as someone else said it can be awkward to put on over some other types of clothing, such as micro-fleeces. However, I almost always wear mine with just a shirt underneath. Wind resistance is OK and as someone who rums hot I find it very breathable.
As a lanky orangutan, I like the long body and arms) The sleeves are close fitting. Something to bear in mind if you plan to wear it over something else.
I have the Marmot DriClime Windshirt and the Montane Krypton. Great pieces of kit. Windproofs with a touch of insulation which is all you need in a surprising range of conditions.
The Krypton is more or less the DriClime with a hood (the lining on the Montane is a bit softer and nicer).
But they are both a similar cut (i.e. short to the waist, if anything the Krypton is a tiny bit shorter).
The VR lite stuff is closer to the driclimes warmth wise. There is seemingly a hooded VR Lite coming out in spring because its already in cotswolds - 
